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From our friends at Healthy Monday…

Here at Healthy Monday, we’re deeply committed to supporting people and organization working to improve personal health around the country. This Monday we highlight The Veggie Grill, well known in Southern California for serving classic American comfort food. Their menu includes such favorites as BBQ Wings, Chicken Caesar Wraps and Carne Asada. It’s what The Veggie Grill doesn’t serve, however, that makes them stand out. Everything they prepare is completely meat and dairy free.

In a world awash in fast food joints and extravagantly unhealthy eateries, The Veggie Grill signifies a sea change. Here is a restaurant serving comfort food targeted to the widest possible American demographic and there is no meat or dairy in sight. But how do they do it?

The Veggie Grill uses tempeh and wheat meat (textured wheat protein) as the base for their meatless meals. Both blends have a meat-like consistency that is easily infused with a variety of marinades and flavors. These mock meats are so close in texture and taste to the real thing that customers don’t even realize they’re eating vegetarian food. According to Kevin Boylan, co-founder of The Veggie Grill, 90% of the eatery’s patrons consume meat on a regular basis. They come for the healthful food, and the taste.

Walk into one of The Veggie Grill’s three locations and you’ll be greeted with bright, modern décor. Orders are taken at a walk-up counter and delivered quickly to your table. Indeed, the restaurant shatters consumer expectations by offering healthy, plant-based food prepared fast and always delicious.

We love that The Veggie Grill is making meatless meals everyone can enjoy! Their menu is free of cholesterol, trans-fat, animal fat and high fructose corn syrup. We believe they’re operating at the vanguard, helping to reshape the face of fast food – signaling a shift we hope will gain momentum across the country. If you’re lucky enough to live in Southern California, we encourage you to try The Veggie Grill. If not, you can make similar mock meat dishes at home. On MeatlessMonday.com you’ll find a Tempeh Chicken Salad that is remarkably meaty. Plus, the Philly Cheesefake is sure to trick your taste buds!